boxing
BOK-sihng
Boxing (noun) means a combat sport in which two competitors wearing padded gloves punch each other, scoring points or winning by knockout. Example: “He wears a heavy pair of gloves for boxing practice every Tuesday.”
noun
1
A combat sport in which two competitors wearing padded gloves punch each other, scoring points or winning by knockout.
"He wears a heavy pair of gloves for boxing practice every Tuesday."
"She took up boxing at the gym to improve her fitness."
"The boxing match went the full twelve rounds."
How to use boxing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe sport of fighting with padded gloves and fists.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
boxing match
boxing gloves
boxing ring
take up boxing
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Word forms
- Plural
- boxings
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He wears a heavy pair of gloves for _____ practice every Tuesday.
Etymology
From "box" (to punch) plus the "-ing" suffix that forms the name of an activity.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for boxing
See all rhymes for boxing →Frequently asked questions
What does “boxing” mean?
The word “boxing” means a combat sport in which two competitors wearing padded gloves punch each other, scoring points or winning by knockout. In plain terms, the sport of fighting with padded gloves and fists.
How do you pronounce “boxing”?
“Boxing” is pronounced BOK-sihng (/ˈbɑːksɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “boxing” in a sentence?
Here is “boxing” used in a sentence: “She took up boxing at the gym to improve her fitness.”
What is the opposite of “boxing”?
The opposite of “boxing” — its antonyms — is unboxing.
What part of speech is “boxing”?
“Boxing” is a noun.
Is “boxing” a common word?
“Boxing” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between boxing and kickboxing?
Boxing is a combat sport in which competitors score only with padded-glove punches to the head and body. Kickboxing allows kicks as well as punches, so fighters may also strike with their legs and feet, which boxing does not permit.
Is Boxing Day connected to the sport of boxing?
No. Despite the name, Boxing Day (26 December in the UK and some Commonwealth countries) has no link to the combat sport. The 'boxing' in Boxing Day refers to gift or charity boxes, not to punching.
What is the difference between boxing and sparring?
Boxing is the competitive sport itself, whereas sparring is controlled practice fighting done in training. Sparring partners typically hold back power and focus on technique, while a boxing match is a scored contest that can be won by knockout.
What is the difference between boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA)?
Boxing restricts fighters to padded-glove punches. MMA is a broader combat sport that also allows kicks, knees, elbows, and grappling on the ground, so boxing is essentially one narrow striking discipline within the wider MMA skill set.
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